Foreign Strippers To Be Barred

Foreign strippers would be prevented from working in Canada under legislation tabled yesterday by the Conservative government.

If adopted by Parliament, Bill C-57 would allow immigration officers to reject foreign workers at risk of being humiliated, degraded or sexually exploited.

Immigration Minister Diane Finley said the legislation could apply to various types of jobs but is aimed at protecting thousands of women who are brought to Canada and forced into prostitution.

An advocacy group for exotic dancers blasted the bill as a crass move that would bar legitimate visa applicants while doing little to protect women from the underground sex trade.